How to apply for a grant

To reduce costs and the environment, we only accept applications electronically.  If this causes your organisation a problem, please contact the Trust Secretary.

Please ensure you read the guidelines before submitting your application. 

Your application will consist of the following:

- Completed application form of no more than four pages including the cover sheet. 

- Copy of your latest accounts including Trustee/Director Report.

- Business Plan if the organisation or project is new.

If you have the ability please submit these documents together as one PDF.  If you do not please mention in your email when sending.   You can obtain free software for merging here. 

These should be sent to the Secretary at this address.  

Annual timetable:

Window for applications:    1st January to 31st March 

Deadline for reports on previous year's grant:   15th May 

Meeting: June 


Following receipt of your application, it will be reviewed and a decision will be made as to whether it meets the criteria.  A rejection letter will be sent if not. 

If your project goes forward to the meeting, one or more Trustees may arrange to visit, prior to the meeting.  This will happen at a time and date that is mutually agreed.

The annual meeting will be held in June.  You will be advised if you are successful by the end of June. 
 

Where unsuccessful, you will be advised by the end of July.

If you are successful and are awarded a grant you will be expected to produce a report the following year to include at least:

  • What you asked for and what was delivered
  • Estimated project costs v actual project costs
  • Explanations of any difference
  • Impact including any unexpected benefits or dis-benefits

What we judge your application by  

  • Type of challenges being addressed by the project
  • Number of people with a learning disability supported       
  • Evidence that the project is required and fulfils the need identified
  • How you have consulted with people who could benefit from the project
  • What demonstrable difference will the project make to the lives of people aimed at 
  • Cost of project and amount of funding you have found from other sources  
  • Contributions from parent organisations 
  • Sustainability of the project after the Margaret Dobson Further Education Trust funding has finished
  • How you will evaluate the impact of the project.

Disclaimer

The decision of the Trustees is final.  Feedback will normally be given, but it must be remembered that this might be limited due to the fact that the Trustees all give their time for free.



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